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Scottish Rugby appoint new chief executive
By Josh Raisey
Scottish Rugby have appointed Alex Williamson as their new chief executive.
Williamson, 50, will take over from Mark Dodson, who announced in January that he would leave Scottish Rugby this summer after 13 years in the role.
The former House of Fraser CEO will take charge from early 2025, leaving his role as CEO of education provider Inspiring Learning, which he has held since 2019,
He has previously worked as chief financial officer and chief executive of the Goodwood Estate, which hosts a variety of sporting events.
Williamson's appointment comes just weeks after Scottish Rugby recruited former Irish Rugby High-Performance Director David Nucifora on a two-year deal.
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead a team charged with shaping the future of something that is about so much more than rugby," Williamson said after his appointment.
"A sport that brings families together, inspires fans and connects communities in the way Scottish rugby does makes it more important than ever.
“There are many opportunities ahead for the sport globally and locally and I see no reason why Scotland cannot continue to be a positive force in the world game and within the wider sporting community.”
“My interactions with John McGuigan and David (Nucifora), along with a number of board members have only amplified my confidence in what we have the potential to achieve. I cannot wait to get to Edinburgh and crack on.”
Scottish Rugby Limited chair John McGuigan added: “I’m delighted Alex has agreed to join Scottish Rugby. He has significant experience in the areas we need to excel in over coming years, combined with fantastic energy and an open style of leadership.
“During the later stages in the recruitment process Alex had the opportunity to connect with our recently announced performance consultant David Nucifora . They will be a great partnership with complementary skills and a shared desire to grow the game in Scotland at all levels.
“On behalf of Scottish Rugby Ltd we very much look forward to Alex’s arrival.”
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Latest Comments
In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..
If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.
My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.
ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.
Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.
Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.
It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.
So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.
After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.
Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.
Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.
Go to commentsI agree what a load of crap! The ABs are elite sportsmen and ALL sportsmen want to challenge themselves against the best. And where better than Eden Park - some say that is our fortress. Well the ABs will relish the chance to build on that notion I am sure.
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